Devoted dad with a big heart

A devastating crash has torn a young family apart and left a devoted dad dead and his wife and young son fighting for their lives.

Popular Paddy Nolan, 29, was killed in the tragic accident on the A2 near Harbledown on Thursday afternoon.

His wife Bab, 21, and twoyear-old son David were airlifted to separate London hos- pitals, with both still in critical condition as the Gazette went to press yesterday (Wed).

Paddy’s eldest brother, Felix, led tributes to Paddy, describing him as a “devoted family man with a big heart”.

“Paddy did everything for young David and his wife,” he said.

“He loved them more than anything else. They were everything to him.”

Paddy and his family were living near Faversham and heading to Dover to start a tour around Europe.

His black pick- up truck, which was towing a caravan, crashed on the coastbound side of the A2 near the BP service station.

“They were on their way to Germany,” Felix said.

“They were going to do some travelling around Europe. They didn’t even make it a mile down the road.

“We just can’t believe it. All of the family loved Paddy very, very much. He was a gentle man who always looked to keep the peace. He was always there for you.

“It wouldn’t matter if you were a millionaire or didn’t have a penny to your name, he gave everyone the same time.

“He was also a good brother and only two nights before he died came into the room where I was staying and told me he loved me.

“I loved him with all my heart. If I lived to be 500 I’d never be half the man he was.”

Groundworker Paddy was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which closed the road for about 12 hours.

Bab was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in London, where she remains in intensive care after undergoing extensive surgery.

David was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting and remains on a life support machine.

“Everyone is praying for them both,” Felix said.

“David’s very, very ill. The doctors may give up hope, but God will have the last say.”

Anyone who saw the crash should call the serious collision investigation unit appeal line on 01622 798538.

Crash victim Paddy Nolan with wife Bab and son David; flowers at the scene of the tragic accident which wrecked the family truck and caravan; Paddy with David - ‘he loved his family more than anything, they were everything to him’, said his grieving brother Felix